Young Faun – Bronze Bust by Alfredo Pina (1883–1966), Cast by Arthur Goldscheider, Paris

Young Faun by Alfredo Pina – A Study in Expressive Naturalism
Alfredo Pina's Young Faun is a remarkable bronze bust that embodies the vitality and mischievous charm of its mythological subject. Sometimes mistakenly identified as Young Bacchus, this work is confirmed under the title Young Faun, as evidenced by its inclusion in Gaston de Pawlowski's 1929 publication, where it was reproduced under that name. This reference definitively establishes the sculpture within Pina's known corpus and attests to its authenticity.
The work depicts a young faun, a creature from Greco-Roman mythology, associated with the god Pan and the wild. Pina brilliantly expresses this carefree energy through the faun's impish smile and the mischievous twinkle in his eye. His head, adorned with a crown of leaves and small berries, emphasizes his deep connection to nature, while the textured, asymmetrical shaping of his hair reinforces the impression of movement, capturing a fleeting moment when he seems to turn in a fit of laughter.
Deeply influenced by Auguste Rodin, Pina applies his signature technique of expressive modeling, blending anatomical precision with a dynamic, impressionistic surface. The smooth rendering of the face contrasts with the rougher treatment of the back of the head and shoulders, a deliberate juxtaposition that accentuates the emotion conveyed by the sculpture. These varied textures help convey the raw energy of the faun, reinforcing his untamed and wild essence.
The bronze features a brown patina with subtle variations in tone, enriching the work's depth and realism. This example bears the mark of the A.G. Paris foundry (Arthur Goldscheider), one of the most influential Parisian art publishers of the early 20th century. Goldscheider played a key role in promoting avant-garde sculptors and was a central figure in the Art Deco movement. He also founded the La Stèle collective, which brought together progressive sculptors such as Alfred Boucher, Charles Lemanceau, Max Le Verrier, and Alfredo Pina himself. Pina's membership in La Stèle thus placed him at the heart of an artistic circle dedicated to sculptural innovation and modernist aesthetics.
The Young Faun perfectly illustrates Pina's ability to merge classical themes with a modern sculptural approach. Although rooted in the mythological tradition, the sculpture goes beyond ancient idealization to offer a more personal and sensitive interpretation. This approach aligns with broader trends in early 20th-century sculpture, where artists sought to infuse their traditional subjects with a psychological dimension and new energy.
Pina, a student of Rodin and influenced by Symbolist and Expressionist movements, often explored mythological and allegorical themes. In this work, the exuberance of the faun and the understated sensuality of its expression resonate with the artistic ideals of its time, combining classical inspiration with the expressiveness of modernism.
The inclusion of The Young Faun in Gaston de Pawlowski's 1929 work attests to its importance and provides documentary evidence of its recognition during Pina's lifetime. As an early and authentic edition made by the A.G. Paris foundry, this sculpture is a rare and precious piece, a testament to Pina's talent and his place in 20th-century European art. Capturing the duality of the faun—both wild and endearing—Pina brings bronze to life with remarkable sensitivity and craftsmanship. This work embodies the free spirit of nature, transformed into a sculptural portrait vibrant with emotion and movement.

Ref: KE27ZIRDZU